Safety of Rimegepant in Adults with Migraine and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Analysis of a Multicenter, Long-Term, Open-Label Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors can limit treatment options for migraine. Rimegepant is an orally administered small-molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist that does not induce vasoconstriction. The aim of these post hoc subgroup analyses was to assess the safety of rimegepant according to CV risk. METHODS: In a multicenter, long-term, open-label, phase II/III safety study, participants with a history of 2-14 migraine attacks per month of moderate or severe pain intensity self-administered rimegepant 75 mg, orally, to treat migraine up to once daily for up to 52 weeks. Uncontrolled, unstable, or recently diagnosed CV disease was part of the exclusion criteria. Safety was assessed across subgroups according to number of CV risk factors (0, 1, or ≥ 2) and Framingham Risk Score (< 10% or ≥ 10%). RESULTS: Of 1800 treated participants, 28.8% had one CV risk factor and 12.1% had ≥ 2 CV risk factors; 7.0% had Framingham Risk Score ≥ 10%. Across the subgroups with 0, 1, and ≥ 2 CV risk factors and Framingham Risk Score < 10% and ≥ 10%, respectively, proportions of participants reporting adverse events (AEs; 59.6%, 61.4%, 62.2%, 59.9%, 67.5%) and serious AEs (2.7%, 2.5%, 2.3%, 2.6%, 2.4%) were consistent, and AEs leading to study drug discontinuation were low (1.9%, 3.1%, 5.5%, 2.5%, 4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Rimegepant showed favorable safety and tolerability in adults with migraine and CV risk factors, including those with moderate to high CV risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03266588.

Older patients with migraine often have cardiovascular (CV) disease ­ such as a prior heart attack ­ or risk factors for CV disease. Examples of CV risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease. The choice of treatments for migraine is limited by safety concerns for patients who have CV risk factors. Newer treatments for migraine ­ including rimegepant ­ work differently than older drugs, by targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide. The safety of rimegepant for patients with migraine and CV risk factors can be studied in a clinical trial. In a long-term trial, patients with migraine took rimegepant tablets to treat migraine attacks, up to once a day, for up to 52 weeks. Some of the patients in the study had CV risk factors. We analyzed the results of the study by grouping the patients based on how many CV risk factors they had. We found that the side effects of rimegepant were similar across the groups. This showed that rimegepant was safe and well tolerated in adults with migraine and CV risk factors.

The Effect of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Monoclonal Antibodies on Quality of Life among Migraine Patients: Pilot Study at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics.

Background: Migraine has a negative impact on patients' quality of life, with the frequency of attacks being associated with greater disability and poorer health status. Frequent migraine-type headaches require prophylactic treatment, which has so far been of limited effectiveness until advent of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibody. Materials and Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted of data from 41 migraine patients who experienced 4 or more monthly migraine days (MMD) longer than three months. At the beginning of the study, treatment with monoclonal antibodies against CGRP (fremanezumab 225 mg or erenumab 70 or 140 g per month) was prescribed according to the indications. The effect of the medications was evaluated after 3-month period. Results: The mean age of patients was 37.17 (±11.78) years. It was found that 17 patients (41.5%) had episodic migraine (EM) and 24 (58.5%) had chronic migraine (CM). Fremanezumab was prescribed to 26 patients (63.4%) and erenumab to 15 patients (36.6%); among the latter, 13 patients used 70 mg/month and 2 patients used 140 mg/month. Three months after treatment, CM changed to EM for 19 patients (79.2%), 27 patients (65.9%) had ≥50% reduction in the number of MMD and total migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) score was reduced by >50% in 31 patients (75.6%). Also, all areas of quality of life of patients were improved after 3 months continued treatment compared to baseline. Conclusions: For more than half the patients using fremanezumab or erenumab after 3-month period, MMD decreased by ≥50% and total MIDAS score by >50 points. All areas of quality of life were improved after prophylactic treatment of migraine.

[Nape seven needles combined with pressing moxibustion for cervical vertigo: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of nape seven needles combined with pressing moxibustion for cervical vertigo (CV). METHODS: A total of 70 patients with CV were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. In the observation group, nape seven needles combined with pressing moxibustion was delivered, once a day, 6 times a week, for consecutive 2 weeks. In the control group, betahistine hydrochloride tablet and aceclofenac dispersible tablet were given orally, for 2 weeks and 3 days respectively. Before and after treatment, the evaluation scale for cervical vertigo (ESCV) score was observed, the plasma levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) were detected, the hemorheologic and hemodynamic indexes were measured, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of dizziness, daily life and work ability, psychological and social adaptability, and headache, as well as the total scores of ESCV were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the two groups, and the score and total score of neck and shoulder pain of ESCV was increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.01) in the observation group; each sub-item score and total score of ESCV in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment, the plasma levels of NPY and ET-1 were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), while the plasma levels of CGRP were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the two groups; the plasma levels of NPY and ET-1 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01), the plasma level of CGRP in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the whole blood high shear viscosity, plasma viscosity and whole blood low shear viscosity were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mean velocity of basilar artery (BA), left vertebral artery (LVA) and right vertebral artery (RVA) were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05) in the two groups; the whole blood high shear viscosity, plasma viscosity and whole blood low shear viscosity in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01), and the mean velocity of BA, LVA and RVA in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 91.4% (32/35), which was superior to 71.4% (25/35) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Nape seven needles combined with pressing moxibustion can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms, and improve the hemorheology and hemodynamics in CV patients.

Neuroimmune modulating and energy supporting nanozyme-mimic scaffold synergistically promotes axon regeneration after spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a profound central nervous system affliction, resulting in irreversibly compromised daily activities and disabilities. SCI involves excessive inflammatory responses, which are characterized by the existence of high levels of proinflammatory M1 macrophages, and neuronal mitochondrial energy deficit, exacerbating secondary damage and impeding axon regeneration. This study delves into the mechanistic intricacies of SCI, offering insights from the perspectives of neuroimmune regulation and mitochondrial function, leading to a pro-fibrotic macrophage phenotype and energy-supplying deficit. To address these challenges, we developed a smart scaffold incorporating enzyme mimicry nanoparticle-ceriumoxide (COPs) into nanofibers (NS@COP), which aims to pioneer a targeted neuroimmune repair strategy, rescuing CGRP receptor on macrophage and concurrently remodeling mitochondrial function. Our findings indicate that the integrated COPs restore the responsiveness of pro-inflammatory macrophages to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signal by up-regulating receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), a vital component of the CGRP receptor. This promotes macrophage fate commitment to an anti-inflammatory pro-resolution M2 phenotype, then alleviating glial scar formation. In addition, NS@COP implantation also protected neuronal mitochondrial function. Collectively, our results suggest that the strategy of integrating nanozyme COP nanoparticles into a nanofiber scaffold provides a promising therapeutic candidate for spinal cord trauma via rational regulation of neuroimmune communication and mitochondrial function.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Inhibitors in the Treatment of Migraine in the Pediatric and Adolescent Populations: A Review.

There are limited well-studied treatments for migraine in the pediatric population. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors are an established safe and effective treatment in adults, and use may be appropriate for pediatric patients in certain clinical situations. We describe migraine pathophysiology as it relates to CGRP, provide an overview of available medications, and discuss clinical usage in this population.

Plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide levels in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a debilitating condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure often presenting with chronic migraine-like headache. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays an important pathophysiological role in primary headaches such as migraine, whilst its role in IIH has not yet been established. METHODS: This longitudinal exploratory study included patients with IIH, episodic migraine (EM) in a headache-free interval and healthy controls (HC). Blood samples were collected from a cubital vein and plasma CGRP (pCGRP) levels were measured by standardized ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients with IIH (mean age 33.2 years [SD 9.2], 88.5% female, median BMI 34.8 kg/m2 [IQR 30.0-41.4]), 30 patients with EM (mean age 27.6 years [7.5], 66.7% female) and 57 HC (mean age 25.3 years [5.2], 56.1% female) were included. pCGRP levels displayed a wide variation in IIH as well as in EM and HC on a group-level. Within IIH, those with migraine-like headache had significantly higher pCGRP levels than those with non-migraine-like headache (F(2,524) = 84.79; p < 0.001) and headache absence (F(2,524) = 84.79; p < 0.001) throughout the observation period, explaining 14.7% of the variance in pCGRP levels. CGRP measurements showed strong intraindividual agreement in IIH (ICC 0.993, 95% CI 0.987-0.996, p < 0.001). No association was found between pCGRP levels and ophthalmological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Although interindividual heterogeneity of pCGRP levels is generally high, migraine-like headache seems to be associated with higher pCGRP levels. CGRP may play a role in the headache pathophysiology at least in a subgroup of IIH.

A Dutch cost-effectiveness analysis of fremanezumab versus best supportive care in patients with chronic migraine and inadequate response to prior preventive therapy.

BACKGROUND: Chronic migraine (CM) is the most severe and burdensome subtype of migraine. Fremanezumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway as a migraine preventive therapy. This study aimed to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of fremanezumab from a societal perspective in the Netherlands, using a Markov cohort simulation model. METHODS: The base-case cost-effectiveness analysis adhered to the Netherlands Authority guidelines. Fremanezumab was compared with best supportive care (BSC; acute migraine treatment only) in patients with CM and an inadequate response to topiramate or valproate and onabotulinumtoxinA (Dutch patient group [DPG]). A supportive analysis was conducted in the broader group of CM patients with prior inadequate response to 2-4 different classes of migraine preventive treatments. One-way sensitivity, probabilistic sensitivity, and scenario analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Over a lifetime horizon, fremanezumab is cost saving compared with BSC in the DPG (saving of €2514 per patient) and led to an increase of 1.45 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). In the broader supportive analysis, fremanezumab was cost effective compared with BSC, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €2547/QALY gained. Fremanezumab remained cost effective in all sensitivity and scenario analyses. CONCLUSION: In comparison to BSC, fremanezumab is cost saving in the DPG and cost effective in the broader population.

Activation of CGRP neurons in the parabrachial nucleus suppresses addictive behavior.

Punishment such as electric shock or physical discipline employs a mixture of physical pain and emotional distress to induce behavior modification. However, a neural circuit that produces behavior modification by selectively focusing the emotional component, while bypassing the pain typically induced by peripheral nociceptor activation, is not well studied. Here, we show that genetically silencing the activity of neurons expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the parabrachial nucleus blocks the suppression of addictive-like behavior induced by footshock. Furthermore, activating CGRP neurons suppresses not only addictive behavior induced by self-stimulating dopamine neurons but also behavior resulting from self-administering cocaine, without eliciting nocifensive reactions. Moreover, among multiple downstream targets of CGRP neurons, terminal activation of CGRP in the central amygdala is effective, mimicking the results of cell body stimulation. Our results indicate that unlike conventional electric footshock, stimulation of CGRP neurons does not activate peripheral nociceptors but effectively curb addictive behavior.

Effect of moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL15) and "Feishu" (BL13) on expression of TRPV1 and CGRP in the myocardial tissue of chronic heart failure rats. / 艾灸"心俞""肺俞"å¯¹æ ¢æ€§å¿ƒåŠ›è¡°ç«­å¤§é¼ å¿ƒè‚Œçž¬æ—¶å—ä½“ç”µä½é¦™è‰é ¸äºšåž‹1ã€é™é’™ç´ åŸºå› ç›¸å ³è‚½è¡¨è¾¾çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL15) and "Feishu" (BL13) on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1(TRPV1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the myocardial tissue of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improvement of CHF. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal, model, moxibustion, capsaicin, moxibustion + capsaicin, and moxibustion + solvent groups, with 10 rats in each group. The CHF model was established by permanent ligation of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. Mild moxibustion was applied to bilateral BL13 and BL15 for 30 min once daily for 4 weeks. Rats in the capsaicin group were smeared with capsaicin in the acupoint area once a day for 4 weeks. For rats of the moxibustion + capsaicin and moxibustion + solvent groups, capsaicin and solvent were applied to the acupoint area before moxibustion for 4 weeks, respectively. The ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening rate (FS) were examined by echocardiography. HE staining was used to observe the myecardial morphological structure. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPV1, CGRP and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in myocardial tissue were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. The content of IL-10 in serum was detected by ELISA. RESULTS: After modeling, the pathological changes of myocardium (as cardiac muscle fiber disorder, inflammatory cell infiltration, etc.) were obvious, and the EF, FS, serum IL-10, protein and mRNA exspression of TRPV1 and CGRP were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the normal group, while the protein and mRNA exspression of Gal-3 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). Following the interventions, the above-mentioned indexes were all reversed in moxibustion, capsaicin, and moxibustion + capsaicin groups (P<0.01), and the effect of moxibustion + capsaicin was the best (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion can reduce myocardial injury and improve cardiac function in CHF rats, which may be related to its effects in up-regulating the expression of TRPV1 and CGRP, and down-regulating the expression of Gal-3 to alleviate myocardial fibrosis.

Long-term effectiveness of eptinezumab in the treatment of patients with chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache.

OBJECTIVE: This post hoc analysis of the PREVAIL study explored the effectiveness of eptinezumab for up to 2 years of open-label treatment in the subgroup of patients with chronic migraine who had a confirmed diagnosis of medication-overuse headache (MOH) at screening. BACKGROUND: MOH is a disabling and costly secondary headache disorder characterized by increased headache frequency and/or severity with increased acute headache medication use. Eptinezumab, an anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody, reduces headache frequency, severity, and associated disability and improves functioning and health-related quality of life as a preventive migraine therapy; short-term benefits in patients with concurrent MOH have also been reported. METHODS: Participants received up to eight quarterly intravenous infusions of eptinezumab 300 mg in the phase 3, single-arm, open-label PREVAIL study. Safety and patient-reported outcome measures (Migraine Disability Assessment [MIDAS], 6-item Headache Impact Test [HIT-6], patient-identified most bothersome symptom [PI-MBS], Patient Global Impression of Change [PGIC], and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]) were conducted at predefined intervals. Patients were observed up to 20 weeks after their last infusion (Week 104). RESULTS: A total of 49/128 (38.3%) patients enrolled in PREVAIL had an MOH diagnosis at screening. In the MOH subgroup, long-term eptinezumab treatment was associated with reductions in headache frequency (43/49 [87.8%] patients reported ≥50% reduction in MIDAS-derived headache days at ≥1 visit), severity (2.2-point reduction [on a 10-point scale]), disability (mean MIDAS total score reduction of 51.9 points), and impact (mean HIT-6 total score reduction of 9.7 points) at Week 104. Most patients described a "much improved" or "very much improved" status by Week 48 (PI-MBS, 31/46 [67.4%]) and Week 104 (PGIC, 31/36 [86.1%]). Health-related quality of life improvements in the SF-36 were also observed. CONCLUSION: Eptinezumab preventive therapy in patients with chronic migraine showed benefits that extended to the subset of patients with concomitant MOH.

Differences in circulating alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide levels in inflammatory bowel disease and its relation to migraine comorbidity: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the specificity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels, we measured alpha-CGRP circulating levels in a large series of patients with a recent diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were interviewed regarding comorbid headache. BACKGROUND: Several studies have found an association between migraine and IBD. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study performed in an IBD clinic, morning serum alpha-CGRP levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 96 patients who were recently diagnosed with IBD and compared to those from 50 similar patients with chronic migraine (CM) and 50 healthy controls (HC). RESULTS: Alpha-CGRP levels were higher in patients with IBD (median [interquartile range] 56.9 [35.6-73.9] pg/mL) and patients with CM (53.0 [36.7-73.9] pg/mL) compared to HC (37.2 [30.0-51.8] pg/mL; p = 0.003; p = 0.019, respectively). Regarding IBD diagnostic subtypes, alpha-CGRP levels for ulcerative colitis (67.2 ± 49.3 pg/mL; 57.0 [35.6-73.4] pg/mL) and Crohn's disease (54.9 ± 27.5 pg/mL; 57.7 [29.1-76.1] pg/mL) were significantly higher than those of HC (p = 0.013, p = 0.040, respectively). Alpha-CGRP levels were further different in patients with IBD with migraine (70.9 [51.8-88.7] pg/mL) compared to HC (p < 0.001), patients with IBD without headache (57.5 [33.3-73.8] pg/mL; p = 0.049), and patients with IBD with tension-type headache but without migraine (41.7 [28.5-66.9] pg/mL; p = 0.004), though alpha-CGRP levels in patients with IBD without migraine (53.7 [32.9-73.5] pg/mL) remained different over HC (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Together with CM, circulating alpha-CGRP levels are different in patients with IBD, perhaps reflecting a chronic inflammatory state. IBD is an example of how alpha-CGRP levels are not a totally specific migraine biomarker. However, alpha-CGRP levels were further increased in patients with IBD who have a history of migraine, which reinforces its role as a biomarker in migraine patients, always bearing in mind their comorbidities.

Magnesium malate-modified calcium phosphate bone cement promotes the repair of vertebral bone defects in minipigs via regulating CGRP.

Active artificial bone substitutes are crucial in bone repair and reconstruction. Calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) is known for its biocompatibility, degradability, and ability to fill various shaped bone defects. However, its low osteoinductive capacity limits bone regeneration applications. Effectively integrating osteoinductive magnesium ions with CPC remains a challenge. Herein, we developed magnesium malate-modified CPC (MCPC). Incorporating 5% magnesium malate significantly enhances the compressive strength of CPC to (6.18 ± 0.49) MPa, reduces setting time and improves disintegration resistance. In vitro, MCPC steadily releases magnesium ions, promoting the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells without causing significant apoptosis, proving its biocompatibility. Molecularly, magnesium malate prompts macrophages to release prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and synergistically stimulates dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to synthesize and release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The CGRP released by DRG neurons enhances the expression of the key osteogenic transcription factor Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) in MC3T3-E1 cells, promoting osteogenesis. In vivo experiments using minipig vertebral bone defect model showed MCPC significantly increases the bone volume fraction, bone density, new bone formation, and proportion of mature bone in the defect area compared to CPC. Additionally, MCPC group exhibited significantly higher levels of osteogenesis and angiogenesis markers compared to CPC group, with no inflammation or necrosis observed in the hearts, livers, or kidneys, indicating its good biocompatibility. In conclusion, MCPC participates in the repair of bone defects in the complex post-fracture microenvironment through interactions among macrophages, DRG neurons, and osteoblasts. This demonstrates its significant potential for clinical application in bone defect repair.

Therapeutic patterns and migraine disease burden in switchers of CGRP-targeted monoclonal antibodies - insights from the German NeuroTransData registry.

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway have shown good efficacy in migraine prophylaxis. However, a subset of patients does not respond to the first mAb treatment and switches among the available mAbs. The goal of this study is to characterize the switching pattern of migraine patients treated with anti-CGRP(-receptor, -R) mAbs, and to describe the headache burden of those who did not switch, switched once, and switched twice. METHODS: This study used real world data from the NeuroTransData Cohort, a registry of migraine patients treated at outpatient neurology clinics across Germany. Patients who had received at least one anti-CGRP(-R) mAb were included. Headache diaries were collected at baseline and during treatment, along with quality of life measures every three months. Results were summarized for the subgroups of patients who did not switch and those with one and two switches. RESULTS: Of the 655 eligible patients, 479 did not switch, 135 switched once, 35 twice, and 6 three or more times. The ≥ 50% response rates for monthly migraine days were 64.7%, 50.7%, and 25.0% for the no switch, one switch, and two switches groups in their last treatment cycles, respectively. Quality of life measures improved for the no switch and one switch groups, but not for the two switches group. CONCLUSION: Patients who switched among anti-CGRP(-R) mAbs during the course of their treatment still benefited overall but to a lesser extent than those who did not switch. Treatment response in patients who switched twice was markedly lower compared to the no switch and one switch subgroup.

An update on pharmacotherapy for trigeminal neuralgia.

INTRODUCTION: Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare condition that can be effectively treated by carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine but these older drugs are associated with dose-dependent and potentially treatment-limiting adverse effects. Third-generation anticonvulsants, new calcitonin gene-related peptide blockers for migraine, and older drugs such as ketamine and cannabinoids may be promising adjuvants or monotherapeutic options. AREAS COVERED: The new drugs, their presumed mechanisms of action, safety and efficacy are discussed herein. There is a paucity of robust clinical evidence in support of these drugs for trigeminal neuralgia. New migraine agents are considered as well although migraines and trigeminal neuralgia are distinct, albeit similar, conditions. No new drugs have been released to market in recent years with the specific indication of trigeminal neuralgia. EXPERT OPINION: In real-world clinical practice, about half of trigeminal neuralgia patients take more than one agent for prevention and combination therapy may be the optimal approach. Combination therapy might allow for lower doses of carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, thus reducing the number and severity of potential adverse events but the potential for pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions must be considered. Drug therapy for trigeminal neuralgia involves acute or abortive treatments, often administered in hospital versus long-term preventive therapy, usually involving oral agents.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a relatively rare condition that usually affects one side of the face below the eye around the cheekbone. The cause of trigeminal neuralgia is sometimes a damaged nerve or a nerve that has lost part of its outer protective sheath (myelin). However, trigeminal neuralgia may have other neurological causes as well. Pain can be triggered by touch, pressure, or chewing and it tends to occur in very painful brief attacks followed by pauses with little or no pain. There are two types of drug treatment for trigeminal neuralgia: drugs to stop an ongoing attack (which are often administered in an emergency room or hospital intravenously) and drugs that are taken orally over the long term to reduce or prevent attacks.The two most effective drugs for trigeminal neuralgia are carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine, which are actually drugs to prevent seizures. They are effective in reducing the pain intensity and number of attacks of trigeminal neuralgia but they have side effects. In fact, these side effects can be so severe that people stop taking the drugs.Many new drugs have come to market recently that may work for trigeminal neuralgia, although none was specifically developed for this use. The newest generation of anti-seizure medications including eslicarbazepine, lacosamide, levetiracetam, and retigabine, may be just as effective as the older carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine drugs with fewer side effects. Clinical studies are needed to test them in trigeminal neuralgia patients but their mechanisms of action suggest that they might work well.There are some new drugs developed for migraine headache that inhibit a substance in the body called CGRP. Migraine headaches and trigeminal neuralgia have some of the same symptoms but they are different conditions but both involve too much CGRP.Other new drugs include lasmiditan, pimozide (used for Tourette syndrome), tizanidine (muscle relaxant), lamotrigine and vixotrigine (anti-seizure drugs) may also be beneficial. It may be that people with trigeminal neuralgia will have to take combination therapy, the use of two or more drugs with different mechanisms of action. Older drugs like ketamine and cannabinoids are also being considered as possible add-on agents for therapy for trigeminal neuralgia.

The impact of the migraine treatment onabotulinumtoxinA on inflammatory and pain responses: Insights from an animal model.

OBJECTIVE: Migraine, a prevalent and debilitating disease, involves complex pathophysiology possibly including inflammation and heightened pain sensitivity. The current study utilized the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammation, with onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT/A) as a treatment of interest due to its use in clinical migraine management. Using an animal model, the study sought to investigate the role of BoNT/A in modulating CFA-induced inflammation, alterations in pain sensitivity, and the regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release. Further, we aimed to assess the changes in SNAP-25 through western blot analysis to gain insights into the mechanistic action of BoNT/A. METHODS: BoNT/A or control was administered subcutaneously at the periorbital region of rats 3 days before the induction of inflammation using CFA. Periorbital mechanical sensitivity was assessed post-inflammation, and alterations in CGRP release were evaluated. Changes in SNAP-25 levels were determined using western blot analysis. RESULTS: Upon CFA-induced inflammation, there was a marked increase in periorbital mechanical sensitivity, with the inflammation side showing increased sensitivity compared to other periorbital areas. BoNT/A did decrease the withdrawal thresholds in the electronic von Frey test. Despite not being able to observe differences in pain thresholds or CGRP release, BoNT/A reduced baseline release under CFA inflamed conditions. Analysis of SNAP-25 levels in the trigeminal ganglion revealed both intact and cleaved forms that were notably elevated in BoNT/A-treated animals. These findings, derived from western blot analysis, suggest an effect on neurotransmitter release. CONCLUSION: Our investigation highlights the role of BoNT/A in reducing baseline CGRP in the context of inflammation and its involvement in SNAP-25 cleavage. In contrast, BoNT/A did not appear to alter facial pain sensitivity induced by inflammation, suggesting that mechanisms other than baseline CGRP could be implicated in the elevated thresholds in the CFA model.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Level in Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has long been implicated in both the physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory tract. The objective of our study was to determine the serum concentration of alpha CGRP (αCGRP) in cystic fibrosis (CF) that arises from mutations in the gene responsible for encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Currently, there are not many data in the literature about the role of CGRP in CF. The serum level of αCGRP was estimated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay among 64 patients with CF and 31 healthy controls. The αCGRP concentration in the CF group was 62.51 ± 15.45 pg/mL, while in the control group it was 47.43 ± 8.06 pg/mL (p < 0.001). We also compared the level of αCGRP in CF patients according to the type of CFTR mutation. Homozygotes for ΔF508 had higher αCGRP levels than heterozygotes (67.9 ± 10.2 vs. 54.5 ± 18.3 pg/mL, p < 0.01). The level of this neuropeptide was statistically higher in patients with severe disease than in those with mild CF (p = 0.003) when patients were divided into three groups by spirometry results. αCGRP concentration was not correlated with age, sex, clinical parameters, and pulmonary function test results in the study participants. The results of our study suggest a significant increase in the concentration of αCGRP in the serum of patients with CF compared to the control group. This observation opens interesting possibilities for understanding the role of αCGRP in the context of CF pathophysiology.

The human major sublingual gland and its neuropeptidergic and nitrergic innervations.

BACKGROUND: What textbooks usually call the sublingual gland in humans is in reality a tissue mass of two types of salivary glands, the anteriorly located consisting of a cluster of minor sublingual glands and the posteriorly located major sublingual gland with its outlet via Bartholin's duct. Only recently, the adrenergic and cholinergic innervations of the major sublingual gland was reported, while information regarding the neuropeptidergic and nitrergic innervations is still lacking. METHODS: Bioptic and autoptic specimens of the human major sublingual gland were examined by means of immunohistochemistry for the presence of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-, neuropeptide Y (NPY)-, substance P (SP)-, calcitonin gene related-peptide (CGRP)-, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-labeled neuronal structures. RESULTS: As to the neuropeptidergic innervation of secretory cells (here in the form of mucous tubular and seromucous cells), the findings showed many VIP-containing nerves, few NPY- and SP-containing nerves and a lack of CGRP-labeled nerves. As to the neuropeptidergic innervation of vessels, the number of VIP-containing nerves was modest, while, of the other neuropeptide-containing nerves under study, only few (SP and CGRP) to very few (NPY) nerves were observed. As to the nitrergic innervation, nNOS-containing nerves were very few close to secretory cells and even absent around vessels. CONCLUSION: The various innervation patterns may suggest potential transmission mechanisms involved in secretory and vascular responses of the major sublingual gland.

Effect of erenumab on the reversion from chronic migraine to episodic migraine in an Asian population: A post hoc analysis of the DRAGON study.

BACKGROUND: Erenumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor. It has been proven to be safe and efficacious in patients with episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) as demonstrated in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials including patients from Europe, Japan, and the United States. Reversion from CM to EM, as indicated by a reduction in the frequency of headache days, is an important indicator for efficacy outcome, though it has not been analyzed widely in patients with CM to date. OBJECTIVE: Primary results of the DRAGON study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of erenumab in patients with CM from China and other Asian countries. This post hoc analysis evaluated the rate of reversion from CM to EM in the overall population and in subgroups of patients defined by baseline demographic and clinical characteristics (age, body mass index, gender, prior preventive treatment failure, medication overuse status, and disease duration). METHODS: Reversion from CM to EM was defined as a reduction in headache frequency to < 45 headache days over the 12 weeks of the double-blind treatment period. In addition, migraine-related disability and disease impact on functional impairment were assessed within each treatment group in reverters and non-reverters using the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), Migraine Physical Function Impact Diary (MPFID), and modified Migraine Disability Assessment (mMIDAS). RESULTS: Overall, 557 patients with CM were randomized to monthly erenumab 70 mg (n = 279) or placebo (n = 278), of whom 52.3% (146 of 279) treated with erenumab reverted from CM to EM compared to 41.0% (114 of 278) in the placebo group (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-2.2; p = 0.007). Treatment with erenumab resulted in a greater mean change (standard error) from baseline in the HIT-6 total score for reverters versus non-reverters compared to placebo (erenumab: -9.5 [0.6] vs. -5.1 [0.5]; placebo: -8.9 [0.7] vs. -4.9 [0.5]). A similar pattern was observed for mMIDAS score in erenumab treatment groups versus placebo (erenumab: -22.1 [1.2] vs. -6.3 [1.8]; placebo: -19.9 [1.3] vs. -7.9 [1.6]). Substantial improvements were reported in MPFID-Physical Impairment (PI) and Everyday Activities (EA) scores in reverters versus non-reverters in erenumab treatment groups (MPFID-PI: -5.9 [0.3] vs. -1.9 [0.6]; MPFID-EA: -7.9 [0.4] vs. -3.4 [0.6]) and in placebo (MPFID-PI: -5.4 [0.4] vs. -1.0 [0.5]; MPFID-EA: -7.1 [0.5] vs. -3.2 [0.5]). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrated that a greater proportion of patients treated with erenumab reverted from CM to EM compared to patients treated with placebo. The reversion from CM to EM was reflected by the greater improvements in patient-reported outcomes in the erenumab group.

CGRP as a potential mediator for the sexually dimorphic responses to traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit variance contingent upon biological sex. Although female sex hormones exert neuroprotective effects, the administration of estrogen and progesterone has not yielded conclusive results. Hence, it is conceivable that additional mediators, distinct from female sex hormones, merit consideration due to their potential differential impact on TBI outcomes. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) exhibits sexually dimorphic expression and demonstrates neuroprotective effects in acute brain injuries. In this study, we aimed to examine sex-based variations in TBI structural and functional outcomes with respect to CGRP expression. METHODS: Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to controlled cortical impact to induce severe TBI, followed by interventions with and without CGRP inhibition. In the acute phase of TBI, the study centered on elucidating the influence of CGRP on oxidative stress, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling in the peri-impact tissue. Subsequently, during the chronic phase of TBI, the investigation expanded to evaluate CGRP expression in relation to lesion volume, microvascular dysfunction, and white matter injury, as well as working and spatial memory, anxiety-like, and depression-like behaviors in subjects of both sexes. RESULTS: Female rats exhibited elevated levels of CGRP in the peri-impact brain tissue during both baseline conditions and in the acute and chronic phases of TBI, in comparison to age-matched male counterparts. Enhanced CGRP levels in specific brain sub-regions among female rats correlated with superior structural and functional outcomes following TBI compared to their male counterparts. CGRP inhibition induced heightened oxidative stress and a reduction in the expression of Nrf2 and eNOS in both male and female rats, with the observed alteration being more pronounced in females than in males. CONCLUSIONS: This study marks the inaugural identification of CGRP as a downstream mediator contributing to the sexually dimorphic response observed in TBI outcomes.

Investigating sex disparities in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial for the advancement of precision therapeutics. Despite the neuroprotective effects demonstrated by female sex hormones, the administration of estrogen and progesterone has not produced conclusive results. Therefore, it is conceivable that additional mediators, separate from female sex hormones, warrant consideration due to their potential differential influence on TBI outcomes. In this study, we examined sex-related variations in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in peri-impact brain tissue and investigated its potential implications on associated TBI outcomes. CGRP exhibits sexually dimorphic expression and exerts a multifaceted influence on diverse physiological processes that contribute to the pathophysiology of TBI. Our findings reveal that female rats exhibit heightened CGRP levels at both baseline and post-TBI within specific brain sub-regions, thereby contributing to superior structural and functional outcomes compared to their age-matched male counterparts. Additionally, we identified substantial sex-based variations in mechanisms modulated by CGRP pertaining to oxidative stress and microvascular dysfunction. The disparities in CGRP levels may be crucial for comprehending the advantageous outcomes noted in female TBI. Therefore, elucidating the sex-related distinctions in CGRP within TBI brains could pave the way for improved management and treatment strategies for TBI in both male and female individuals.

Effect of CGRP inhibitors on interictal cerebral hemodynamics in individuals with migraine.

Introduction: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays an important role in cerebral vasodilation, so here we aim to quantify the impact of CGRP monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy on cerebral hemodynamics. Methods: In 23 patients with chronic and episodic migraine, cerebral hemodynamic monitoring was performed (1) prior to and (2) 3-months into CGRP-mAb therapy. Transcranial Doppler monitored cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA), from which cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and cerebral autoregulation (CA; Mx-index) were calculated. Results: CA was similar off and on treatment, in the MCA (p = 0.42) and PCA (p = 0.72). CVR was also unaffected by treatment, in the MCA (p = 0.38) and PCA (p = 0.92). CBFv and blood pressure were also unaffected. The subgroup of clinical responders (>50% reduction in migraine frequency) exhibited a small reduction in MCA-CBFv (6.0 cm/s; IQR: 1.1-12.4; p = 0.007) and PCA-CBFv (8.9 cm/s; IQR: 6.9-10.3; p = 0.04). Discussion: Dynamic measures of cerebrovascular physiology were preserved after 3 months of CGRP-mAb therapy, but a small reduction in CBFv was observed in patients who responded to treatment. Subgroup findings should be interpreted cautiously, but further investigation may clarify if CBFv is dependent on the degree of CGRP inhibition or may serve as a biomarker of drug sensitivity.